something i posted somewhere else -- on meaning

[billy]

i agree, although there's bound to be exceptions, that the best poetry speaks of universal truths.

Sorry, but... the best poetry takes a personal truth and makes everyone think it's universal, because great poets are better than gods. The big themes are easy to write about. Find poetry in cracks and shadows, in the dirt, the garbage, a hooker's filthy arse -- make it beautiful, beloved and quoted for centuries, then you'll be a poet.

Or write about hotdogs. That works for some.

yeah but (i mean this seriously) aren't hot dogs real universal truths. ?
not the meat or the skin of the dog, but how we enjoy the eating of food, the taste of salt and sugar filled shit. aren't those cracks and shadows where the real universal truths hide? as for the big themes. should they encompass lots of little themes.

i suppose i asking or saying that for me the universal truth is personal, and personal truth is also universal, how else can we identify with a personal truth if we can't or don't understand it. doesn't love cover more than sex and personal relationships, same with hate and depression,